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We say glibly that in the United States of America
all men are
free and equal, but do we treat them as if they
were? . . . There is
religious and racial prejudice everywhere in
the land, and if there
is a greater obstacle anywhere to the attainment
of the teamwork
we must have, no one knows what it is. Arthur Upham
Pope, Chairman of the Committee for National
Morale, in
America Organizes to Win the War

During
World War II, racial restriction and segregation
were facts of life in the U.S. military. Nevertheless,
an overwhelming majority of African Americans
participated wholeheartedly in the fight against
the Axis powers. They did so, however, with
an eye toward ending racial discrimination in
American society. This objective was expressed
in the call, initiated in the black press for
the "Double V"-victory over fascism abroad and
over racism at home.

The Government was well aware of the demoralizing
effects of racial prejudice on the American
population and its impact on the war effort.
Consequently, it promoted posters, pamphlets,
and films highlighting the participation and
achievement of African Americans in military
and civilian life..

United
We WinPhotograph
by Alexander Liberman, 1943

Printed by the
Government
Printing Office for the
War Manpower Commission
NARA Still Picture Branch
(NWDNS-44-PA-370)

(Click on poster
for
high-resolution image)

Above
and Beyond
the Call of Dutyby David Stone
Martin

At the
beginning of the war, African Americans could
join the Navy but could serve only as messmen.

Doris ("Dorie") Miller joined
the Navy and was in service on board the U.S.S.
West Virginia during the attack on Pearl
Harbor. Restricted to the position of messman,
he received no gunnery training. But during the
attack, at great personal risk, he manned the
weapon of a fallen gunman and succeeded in hitting
Japanese planes. He was awarded the Navy Cross,
but only after persistent pressure from the black
press.

Printed by the Government
Printing Office for the
Office of War Information
NARA Still Picture Branch
(NWDNS-208-PMP-68)